Qiyāmah: Unveiling the Beliefs and Concepts of Judgment Day in Islam 🌍
Comprehensive Definition: Qiyāmah (Arabic: قيامة), translated as “Judgment Day” or “The Last Hour,” refers to the final and ultimate Day of Judgment in Islamic belief. It is described as a time when all of humanity will be resurrected from the dead, and their earthly deeds will be evaluated by Allah, culminating in the allocation of either eternal paradise (Jannah) or eternal damnation (Jahannam).
Etymology: The term “Qiyāmah” is derived from the Arabic root word “قام” (qāma), meaning “to rise” or “to stand up,” referencing the resurrection of the dead.
Background: Within Islamic eschatology, Qiyāmah is depicted with vivid and profound descriptions found in the Qur’an and Hadith literature. This event is characterized by tremendous cosmic upheavals—earthquakes, the darkening of the sun, the shattering of the heavens—and ultimately, the resurrection and judgment of all souls.
The concept of Qiyāmah reinforces the ethical and moral framework within which Muslims navigate their lives, underscoring accountability and justice beyond the earthly realm.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
- Islam: Strict belief in Qiyāmah as a definitive end-time event with detailed cosmological and ethical overtones.
- Christianity: The concept of “Final Judgment” shares similarities with Qiyāmah, especially in the depiction of resurrection and divine judgment.
- Judaism: Belief in a “Day of the Lord” or “Yom HaDin” mirrors the Qiyāmah by emphasizing a day of judgment.
Synonyms:
- The Last Hour
- The Day of Resurrection
- The Day of Judgment
Antonyms:
- The Present World (Dunya)
- Life Before Death
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Jannah (الجنة): Paradise, a place of eternal bliss.
- Jahannam (جهنم): Hell, a place of eternal torment.
- Sayyidat al-Qiyāmah (سيداة القيامة): The Signs of Qiyāmah, referring to the minor and major signs preceding Judgment Day.
- Mizan (ميزان): The scale used to weigh deeds on the Day of Judgment.
Exciting Facts:
- Contemplation and Virtue: Narratives on Qiyāmah stress not only divine justice but also ethical living, intertwining contemplation of the hereafter with virtuous conduct.
- Prophetic Signs: Islamic tradition details both minor and major signs that precede Qiyāmah, including moral decay and celestial phenomena.
- Post-Judgment States: Souls judged favorably will enjoy Jannah, described with lush gardens and bounties, while those judged unfavorably face the eternal flames of Jahannam.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
- “On the Day of Judgment, God will call forth all the dead from their graves, and they will be assembled before Him for the final reckoning.” – M. A. S. Abdel Haleem
- “Justice in its purest form will unfurl on that day, for nothing escapes the sight and judgment of the Almighty.” – Muhammad Asad
References and Suggested Literature:
- The Qur’an (Various translations and commentaries)
- The Sahih Hadith Collections (Sunan Abu Dawood, Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
- “The End of Days: Fundamentalism and the Struggle for Understanding” by Steven Kaplan
- “Islamic Eschatology: Implications for Policy and Conflict” by Garth Foulkes
- Carole Hillenbrand’s “Islam: A New Historical Introduction”
May our words guide you towards deeper understanding and contemplation of the divine journey. Remember, every action is a step towards an eternal reckoning.
- Amina Al-Fahad, 2023
